Rockschool - Guitar Syllabus Guide, 2012-2018...Performance Certificates: Debut – Grade 8...

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© Copyright 2015 Rockschool Ltd Piano Syllabus Guide 2015-2018 | 2

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Debut ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Grade 1 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 12

Grade 2 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 17

Grade 3 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 22

Grade 4 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 28

Grade 5 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 34

Grade 6 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 40

Grade 7 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 45

Grade 8 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 51

Assessment Criteria ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 57


Welcome to the Rockschool 2015-2018 syllabus for Piano. This syllabus guide is designed to give teachers, students and candidates practical information on the graded examinations run by Rockschool. The Rockschool website, www.rslawards.com/ has detailed information on all aspects of our examinations, detailed marking schemes and assessment criteria as well as notated and audio examples to help candidates prepare for the examination. All candidates are required to read the Rockschool Exam Regulations which can be found via the following link: www.rslawards.com/about-us/regulations This Syllabus Guide covers the following examinations:

Grade Examinations: Debut – Grade 8

Performance Certificates: Debut – Grade 8

Examinations

Rockschool offers two types of graded music examination; Grade Examinations and Performance Certificates. Note: Piano can also be performed as part of a Rockschool Band Exam: www.rslawards.com/music/graded-music-exams/band-exam

Grade Examinations

Piano Grade Examinations are available from Debut to Grade 8 and consist of the following elements:

3 Performance Pieces: Debut - Grade 8

Technical Exercises: Debut - Grade 8

Sight Reading or Improvisation/Interpretation: Debut - Grade 5

Quick Study Piece: Grade 6 - 8

Ear Tests: Debut - Grade 8

General Musicianship Questions: Debut - Grade 8 These elements fall into two categories: Prepared work and Unprepared work. Prepared work consists of the three pieces and technical exercises. Unprepared work consists of Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation, (Quick Study Piece at Grades 6 - 8), Ear Tests and General Musicianship Questions.

Performance Certificates

Piano Performance Certificates are available from Debut to Grade 8 and consist of the following elements:

5 Performance Pieces only: Debut - Grade 8

http://www.rslawards.com/

http://www.rslawards.com/about-us/regulations

http://www.rslawards.com/music/graded-music-exams/band-exam


Examination Structures

The examination structure for the Grade Examination is shown below:

1st - Pieces or Technical Exercises

2nd - Technical Exercises or Pieces

3rd - Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation or Quick Study Piece

4th - Ear Tests

5th - General Musicianship Questions The examination structure for the Performance Certificate is shown below:

1st – All five Pieces (There is no other prepared or unprepared content).

Examination Timings

Grade Exams Performance Certificates

Debut: 15 minutes Debut: 12 minutes

Grade 1: 20 minutes Grade 1: 15 minutes








General Notes

The following general notes apply to both Grade and Performance Certificate Examinations:

Free Choice Pieces

For all piano grades, candidates are able to play a number of free choice pieces in the examination:

Grade Examinations: Two free choice pieces (min. one piece must be from the grade book)

Performance Certificates: Three free choice pieces (min. two pieces must be from the grade book)

Visit www.rslawards.com/ for grade specific Free Choice Criteria and wider requirements which need to be observed in full to be eligible for use in the exam. Prior approval is not required but any deviation/simplification/omissions from any aspect of the criteria or requirements may be reflected in the marks awarded. If there is any doubt or questions about the appropriateness of the chosen piece, it would be acceptable to email it to [email protected] and a member of the Rockschool team will advise.

http://www.rslawards.com/


Notation

All notated work is to be played as written. There should be no changes or arrangement (unless

previously agreed with Rockschool). Each piece is specifically written/presented carefully to achieve a

number of outcomes appropriate for the grade.

Exclusions:

At Debut and Grade 1, if any three or four voiced chords notated in the pieces are unachievable, candidates may either reduce the amount of notes in the voicing or play as a spread chord if stylistically appropriate.

At all grades, if any two handed/open voiced chords notated in the pieces are not achievable, candidates may either reduce the amount of notes in the voicing or play as a spread chord if stylistically appropriate.

At all grades, candidates are free to execute voiced chords notated in the pieces with either hand or combination of hands.

In any Level 3 piece containing chord symbols, voicings may be presented as deemed appropriate.

Musical Interpretation

For all piano grades, Rockschool encourages individual musicality, articulation, expression and use of dynamics when performing. This would include for example own legato/staccato, pedaling, dynamic levels, accentuation, cresc/dim, phrasing etc. This also applies anywhere in the exam, whether within a performance piece or any other prepared/unprepared element. Musical Interpretation is assessed as a requirement at all grades in both the Full Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. Note: where there is notated articulation, expression, dynamic or pedal markings, these have been specifically written and must be observed.

Piano Specification

The following instruments are accepted for use in Piano exams, at all grades.

Acoustic Piano

Digital Piano A number of our exam centres in the UK have acoustic pianos. The remainder have digital pianos. Candidates are advised to contact Rockschool to check their nearest centre if they specifically wish to perform the exam on an acoustic piano. See also https://www.rslawards.com/music/find-a-centre

https://www.rslawards.com/music/find-a-centre


Using Own Equipment

Candidates may bring their own digital piano or keyboard for use in the exam, which must fit the following criteria:

Entry Level-Grade 4: Minimum of five octaves, touch sensitive, weighted keys and a sustain pedal.

Grades 5-8: 88 note keyboard , touch sensitive, weighted keys and a sustain pedal.

Candidates must use a 'realistic' piano sound for their exam. Candidates will need to note on the application form that they wish to use their own equipment when applying to take the exam. Owing to scheduling constraints and the potential impact on subsequent exam times, the absence of prior notification to Rockschool will result in the examiner refusing candidates own equipment on the day. Rockschool also recommends that candidates who wish to bring in their own equipment contact their exam centre to make any practical arrangements beforehand and also bring their own assistance to carry the equipment in/out of the exam room. Own equipment needs to be practicable and reasonably portable so as not to impact on exam timings. Note also that whilst it is acceptable for candidates to use their own equipment for use in the exam, if any outcomes required at a particular grade either cannot be demonstrated or are demonstrated less securely as a result of the equipment, this may be reflected in the marks awarded. Rockschool cannot advise whether or not candidates use their own equipment. A decision to do so is entirely at a candidate’s discretion/risk on this basis.

Candidates cannot use either pre-programmed backing tracks or internally generated, pre-programmed rhythms.

Making Notes in the Exam

It is not permitted to make any notes at any time during the exam.

With the exception of Technical Exercises where memory requirements apply, it is permitted to use grade books which contain notes made during the course of a candidate’s study.

For General Musicianship Questions, the examiner may use his or her version of the selected piece as the basis to ask the questions if such notes contained on the candidate’s version are deemed sufficiently extensive or might assist the candidate when answering the questions.


The Debut Piano exam is for candidates who have been learning a short time and have developed elementary skills, techniques, co-ordination and musical understanding. There is also an opportunity for basic improvisation. There are two types of exam available at Debut, either a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. (Refer to the Introduction for an explanation of the differences).

Grade Exam

Prepared work: candidates are required to play three Performance Pieces and Technical Exercises which cover scales, arpeggios and chord voicings. Unprepared work: candidates are required to play either a Sight Reading or Improvisation/Interpretation test and two Ear Tests that begin to develop melodic recall and chord recognition. The final part of the exam comprises five questions which are designed to explore simple harmony, melody, rhythmic, technical and stylistic knowledge.

Exam Structure

The Debut exam lasts 15 minutes and is taken in the following order:

1st item - Pieces or Technical Exercises: Candidates choose to play either pieces or technical exercises first.

2nd item - Technical Exercises or Pieces: Candidates will perform the element not chosen above.

3rd item - Sight Reading or Improvisation/Interpretation: Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform.

4th item - Ear Tests: Candidates respond to two aural tests. One is melodic and one is harmonic.

5th item - General Musicianship Questions: Candidates answer five questions based on one of the pieces performed.

Pieces

The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. At Debut they are short, typically up to one minute in duration. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can concentrate on the requirements of notation accuracy, values, evenness of sound, tone quality/consistency, technical control and sync at a beginner level.

Setting the Level of the Backing Track

At the beginning of the exam, the examiner will conduct a sound check by asking the candidate to play the first few bars of the first chosen piece. This will set the levels for the exam and will take place along to the backing track. Note: the sound check is undertaken for the first piece only.

Technical Work

At Debut there are three groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios/Broken Chords and Chord Voicings. All exercises need to be played hands separately, in straight feel, ascending and descending.


The examiner will ask for a selection from each group and Groups A and B need to be played to a compulsory metronome click. Group C does not require a metronome and can be played at a tempo of the candidate’s choice. The book can be used in the exam for Groups A and B. Group C needs to be played from memory. For Group C, candidates will be required to close their grade books or ensure the information on the KR player is out of view. Note: the use of any notes or any reading from the grade book when performing Group C will result

in a deduction of marks for this element. (See Assessment Criteria).

Any fingerings shown in the grade book are for suggestions only.

Group A: Scales

Tempo: 52 bpm Range: One octave Rhythms: Eighth notes, finishing on a quarter note.

C major (right hand)

C major (left hand)

A minor (right hand)

A minor (left hand)

Group B: Arpeggios/Broken Chords

Tempo: 92 bpm Time Signature: 3/4 Rhythms: Quarter notes, finishing on a dotted half note.

C major broken chord (right hand)

C major broken chord (left hand)

A minor broken chord (right hand)

A minor broken chord (left hand)

C: Chord Voicings

Candidates will be asked to play one voicing of both the following chords (2 total):

C major

C minor

Candidates need to choose and perform the voicing, one for each chord, from memory, from three options given for each chord in the grade book. The three options comprise right hand, left hand and both hands. In the exam, there will be no need to state which one beforehand.

There will be no requirement to present the chosen voicing to a particular tempo or a backing / metronome click but the examiner will be looking for speed of response.

Sight Reading or Improvisation and Interpretation

At Debut candidates will be offered the choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation and Interpretation. Both are previously unseen and an example of each is shown in the grade book.


Sight Reading

Key: C major Tempo: 60 bpm Time Signature: 4/4 Rhythms: Whole, half, quarter notes, associated rests The Sight Reading test is in the form of a 4-6 bar melody. Candidates are required to play hands separately and only single notes will be required to be played with both left and right hands. Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning. The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately. Note: it is acceptable for candidates to also ask for additional playing(s) of the backing track to practise during the 90 seconds.

Improvisation and Interpretation

Key: C major Tempo: 60 bpm Time Signature: 4/4 The Improvisation test is in the form of a 4-6 bar chord progression, with all chord symbols indicated. Candidates are required to improvise single note melodies with either left or right hand. It is permissible to play chord voicings, or use both hands, but marks will only be awarded for melodic content. Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning. The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately. Note: it is acceptable for candidates to also ask for additional playing(s) of the backing track to practise during the 90 seconds.

Ear Tests

At Debut there are two ear tests: Melodic Recall and Chord Recognition. Both are previously unseen and an example of each is shown in the grade book.


Melodic Recall

Tempo: 95bpm Rhythms: Half notes The examiner will play two half notes one after the other. Candidates are to state whether the second note is higher or lower in pitch than the first note. The test will be played twice, each time preceded by a one-bar count-in. There will also be a C root note at the beginning of the test for reference. For this exercise, candidates are to use the words ‘higher’ or ‘lower’. Credit will be given for speed of response.

Chord Recognition

Tempo: 95 bpm Rhythms: Whole notes The examiner will play two chords, each with a C root note. Candidates are to state which chord played was major and which chord played was minor. The test will be played twice, each time preceded by a one-bar count-in. Credit will be given for speed of response.

General Musicianship Questions

At debut candidates will be asked five questions, one from each of the following groups:

One question relating to harmony.

One question relating to melody.

One question relating to rhythms.

One question relating to technical requirements.

One question relating to genre. Candidates can choose the piece on which basis the questions will be asked. It must be one of the pieces performed in the exam. The exact bars or phrases will be chosen by the examiner. The questions will cover the following topics:

Group 1: Harmony

Identification of major / minor triad chord symbols.

Group 2: Melody

A pitch in the treble clef within the stave.

Group 3: Rhythm

Whole / half / quarter notes.


Group 4: Technical

Fingering used in a crotchet length phrase. (Either hand)

Group 5: Genre

Genre of the piece.

Performance Certificate

The candidate plays five pieces in their preferred chosen order. The exam will last 12 minutes. At the beginning of the exam, the examiner will conduct a sound check by asking the candidate to play

the first few bars of the first chosen piece. This will set the levels for the exam and will take place along to the backing track. Once the level has been established, the examiner will then commence with the first piece in full. Note: the sound check is undertaken for the first piece only.


The Grade 1 Piano exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for six months to one year. They have mastered the key basic debut level skills and have since acquired greater use of technique, rhythms, co-ordination and musical understanding. There is also an opportunity to build on basic improvisation. There are two types of exam available at Grade 1, either a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. (Refer to the Introduction for an explanation of the differences).

Grade Exam

Prepared work: candidates are required to play three Performance Pieces and Technical Exercises which cover scales, arpeggios and chord voicings. Unprepared work: candidates are required to play either a Sight Reading or Improvisation/Interpretation test and two Ear Tests that begin to develop melodic recall and chord recognition. The final part of the exam comprises five questions which are designed to explore simple harmony, melody, rhythmic, technical and stylistic knowledge.

Exam Structure

The Grade 1 exam lasts 20 minutes and is taken in the following order:






Pieces

The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. At Grade 1 they are short, typically one to one and a half minutes in duration. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can concentrate on the requirements of notation accuracy, values, evenness of sound, tone quality/consistency, technical control and sync at a beginner level.



Technical Work

At Grade 1 there are three groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios and Chord Voicings. All exercises need to be played hands separately, in straight feel, ascending and descending.


The examiner will ask for a selection from each group and Groups A and B need to be played to a compulsory metronome click. Group C does not require a metronome and can be played at a tempo of the candidate’s choice. The book can be used in the exam for Groups A and B. Group C needs to be played from memory. For Group C, candidates will be required to close their grade books or ensure the information on the KR player is out of view.

Note: the use of any notes or any reading from the grade book when performing Group C will result



Group A: Scales

Tempo: 60 bpm Range: One octave Rhythms: Eighth notes, finishing on a quarter note.

F major (right hand)

F major (left hand)

G major (right hand)

G major (left hand)

D natural minor (right hand)

D natural minor (left hand)

E natural minor (right hand)

E natural minor (left hand)

C dorian (right hand)

C dorian (left hand)

C harmonic minor (right hand)

C harmonic minor (left hand)

Group B: Arpeggios

Tempo: 100 bpm Time Signature: 3/4 Rhythms: Quarter notes, finishing on a dotted half note.

F major broken chord (right hand)

F major broken chord (left hand)

G major broken chord (right hand)

G major broken chord (left hand)

D minor broken chord (right hand)

D minor broken chord (left hand)

E minor broken chord (right hand)

E minor broken chord (left hand)

C augmented arpeggio (right hand)

C augmented arpeggio (left hand)

C diminished arpeggio (right hand)

C diminished arpeggio (left hand)


C: Chord Voicings


C diminished

C augmented Candidates need to choose and perform the voicing, one for each chord, from memory, from three options given for each chord in the grade book. The three options comprise right hand, left hand and both hands. In the exam, there will be no need to state which one beforehand.



At Grade 1 candidates will be offered the choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation and Interpretation. Both are previously unseen and examples of each are given in the grade book.

Sight Reading

Key: F major or G major Tempo: 70 bpm Time Signature: 4/4 Rhythms: Whole, half, quarter notes, associated rests The Sight Reading test is in the form of a 4-6 bar melody. Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning. The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately. Note: it is acceptable for candidates to also ask for additional playing(s) of the backing track to practise during the 90 seconds.


Key: F major or G major Tempo: 70 bpm Time Signature: 4/4 The Improvisation test is in the form of a 4-6 bar chord progression, with all chord symbols indicated. Candidates are required to improvise single note melodies with either left or right hand. It is permissible to play chord voicings, or use both hands, but marks will only be awarded for melodic content.


Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.

The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately. Note: it is acceptable for candidates to also ask for additional playing(s) of the backing track to practise during the 90 seconds.

Ear Tests

At Grade 1 there are two ear tests: Melodic Recall and Chord Recognition. Both are previously unseen and an example of each is shown in the grade book.

Melodic Recall

Tempo: 95bpm Rhythms: Whole, half notes The examiner will play three notes one after the other. Candidates are to state whether the second note is higher or lower in pitch than the first and whether the third note is higher or lower in pitch than the second. The test will be played twice, each time preceded by a one-bar count-in. There will also be a C root note at the beginning of the test for reference. For this exercise, candidates are to use the words ‘higher’ or ‘lower’. Credit will be given for speed of response.

Chord Recognition

Tempo: 95 bpm Rhythms: Whole notes The examiner will play a sequence of chords each with a C root note, then ask the candidate to state the chord quality of each chord from a choice of major, minor, diminished or augmented. The test will be played twice, each time preceded by a one-bar count-in. Credit will be given for speed of response.


At Grade 1 candidates will be asked five questions, one from each of the following groups:





One question relating to genre.


Candidates can choose the piece on which basis the questions will be asked. It must be one of the pieces performed in the exam. The exact bars or phrases will be chosen by the examiner. The questions will cover the following topics: Group 1: Harmony

Interval construction of major / minor / augmented / diminished triad chords.

Group 2: Melody

Pitches in the bass clef within the stave.

Group 3: Rhythm

Whole, half, quarter, eighth notes, associated rests. Eighth note triplets.

Group 4: Technical

Fingering used in a minim length phrase. (Either hand)

Group 5: Genre

Different artists from the same genre as the piece chosen.


The candidate plays five pieces in their preferred chosen order. The exam will last 15 minutes. At the beginning of the exam, the examiner will conduct a sound check by asking the candidate to play the first few bars of the first chosen piece. This will set the levels for the exam and will take place along to the backing track. Once the level has been established, the examiner will then commence with the first piece in full. Note: the sound check is undertaken for the first piece only.


The Grade 2 Piano exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for one year to eighteen months. They have mastered the key basic skills up to Grade 1 and since acquired greater use of technique, rhythms, co-ordination and musical understanding. There is also the continuing opportunity to develop improvisation skills. There are two types of exam available at Grade 2, either a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. (Refer to the Introduction for an explanation of the differences).

Grade Exam

Prepared work: candidates are required to play three Performance Pieces and Technical Exercises which cover scales, arpeggios and chord voicings. Unprepared work: candidates are required to play either a Sight Reading or Improvisation/Interpretation test and two Ear Tests that continue to develop melodic recall and chord recognition. The final part of the exam comprises five questions which are designed to explore growing harmony, melody, rhythmic, technical and stylistic knowledge.

Exam Structure







Pieces

The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. At Grade 2 they are becoming longer, typically one to two minutes in duration. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can increase their understanding and execution of notation accuracy, values, evenness of sound, tone quality/consistency, technical control, articulation, expression and sync at a beginner level.



Technical Work

At Grade 2 there are three groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios and Chord Voicings.


All exercises need to be played in straight feel, ascending and descending, hands together (except for the chromatic scales and arpeggios which need to be played hands separately). The examiner will ask for a selection from each group and Groups A and B need to be played to a compulsory metronome click. Group C does not require a metronome and can be played at a tempo of the candidate’s choice. The book can be used in the exam for Groups A and B. Group C needs to be played from memory. For Group C, candidates will be required to close their grade books or ensure the information on the KR player is out of view. Note: the use of any notes or any reading from the grade book when performing Group C will result



Group A: Scales

Tempo: 66 bpm Range: Two octaves (chromatic one octave) Rhythms: Eighth notes, finishing on a quarter note.

D major

Bb major

B natural minor

G natural minor

B harmonic minor

G harmonic minor

C mixolydian

C melodic minor

D chromatic (right hand)

D chromatic (left hand)

Bb chromatic (right hand)

Bb chromatic (left hand)

Group B: Arpeggios

Tempo: 63 bpm

Time Signature: 3/4, 4/4 Rhythms: 3/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a dotted half note. 4/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a whole note.

D major arpeggio (right hand)

D major arpeggio (left hand)

Bb major arpeggio (right hand)

Bb major arpeggio (left hand)

B minor arpeggio (right hand)

B minor arpeggio (left hand)

G minor arpeggio (right hand)

G minor arpeggio (left hand)

C dominant 7th arpeggio (right hand)

C dominant 7th arpeggio (left hand)


C: Chord Voicings


C dominant 7

C minor 6





Sight Reading

Key: Bb major or D major Tempo: 60-95 bpm Time Signature: 4/4 Rhythms: Whole, dotted half, half, quarter, eighth notes, associated rests. The Sight Reading test is in the form of a 4-6 bar melody. Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning. The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately. Note: it is acceptable for candidates to also ask for additional playing(s) of the backing track to practise during the 90 seconds.


Key: Bb major or D major Tempo: 60-95 bpm Time Signature: 4/4 The Improvisation test is in the form of a 4-6 bar chord progression, with all chord symbols indicated. Candidates are required to improvise single note melodies with either left or right hand. It is permissible to play chord voicings, or use both hands, but marks will only be awarded for melodic content.




Ear Tests


Melodic Recall

Key: C major Tempo: 95bpm Time Signature: 4/4 Rhythms: Whole, half, quarter notes The examiner will play a 2 bar diatonic melody in the key of C major, with a range up to a fourth. There will be a C root note at the beginning of the test, then the melody will be played twice. After this, candidates need to play the melody back to a metronome click. Both playings of the melody and the metronome backing for the exam version will be preceded by a one bar count-in. The first note of the melody will be the root. It is acceptable for candidates to play over the track as the test is being played and there will be 10 seconds to practise after the second playing. The piano can be used to assist at any time prior to being counted in to perform the exam version.

Chord Recognition

Tempo: 95 bpm Rhythms: Whole notes The examiner will play a sequence of chords each with a C root note, then ask the candidate to state the chord quality of each chord from a choice of major, minor, diminished, augmented or dominant 7. The test will be played twice, each time preceded by a one-bar count-in. The same chord quality may appear more than once within the sequence. Credit will be given for speed of response.








One question relating to genre. Candidates can choose the piece on which basis the questions will be asked. It must be one of the pieces performed in the exam. The exact bars or phrases will be chosen by the examiner. The questions will cover the following topics: Group 1: Harmony

Interval construction of major / minor triad, augmented / diminished triad, dom7 / sus4 chords.

Group 2: Melody

Pitches in the treble clef within the stave.

Group 3: Rhythm

Whole, half, quarter, eighth notes, dotted quarters and eighth notes, associated rests. Eighth note

triplets and associated rests.

Group 4: Technical

Fingering used in a bar length phrase. (Either hand)

Group 5: Genre

Different song titles from the same genre as the piece chosen.




The Grade 3 Piano exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for eighteen months to two years and who are ready to consolidate their final stage as a beginner player. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 2 and since acquired greater use of technique, rhythms, co-ordination and musical understanding. Improvisation phrasing is now confident and articulate and candidates have started to develop the beginnings of stylistic awareness. There are two types of exam available at Grade 3, either a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. (Refer to the Introduction for an explanation of the differences).

Grade Exam

Prepared work: candidates are required to play three Performance Pieces and Technical Exercises which cover scales, arpeggios and chord voicings. Unprepared work: candidates are required to play either a Sight Reading or Improvisation/Interpretation test and two Ear Tests that continue to develop melodic recall and chord recognition. The final part of the exam comprises five questions which are designed to explore harmony, melody, rhythmic, technical and stylistic knowledge at Grade 3 level.

Exam Structure







Pieces

The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. At Grade 3 they are becoming longer, typically in the region of two minutes in duration. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can continue their understanding and execution of notation accuracy, values, evenness of sound, tone quality/consistency, technical control, expression, articulation and sync at a high beginner level. At Grade 3 pieces also introduce the needs for stylistic awareness as part of the assessment.




Technical Work

At Grade 3 there are three groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios and Chord Voicings. All exercises need to be played ascending and descending, hands together (except for the chromatic scales and extended arpeggios which need to be played hands separately) in either straight or swung feel, as directed by the examiner. All exercises need to be played hands separately, in straight feel, ascending and descending. The examiner will ask for a selection from each group and Groups A and B need to be played to a compulsory metronome click. Group C does not require a metronome and can be played at a tempo of the candidate’s choice. The book can be used in the exam for Groups A and B. Group C needs to be played from memory. For

Group C, candidates will be required to close their grade books or ensure the information on the KR player is out of view. Note: the use of any notes or any reading from the grade book when performing Group C will result



Group A: Scales

Tempo: 80 bpm Range: Two octaves Rhythms: Eighth notes, finishing on a quarter note.

A major

A major (contrary motion)

Eb major

Eb major (contrary motion)

F# natural minor

C natural minor

F# harmonic minor

C harmonic minor

C lydian

A chromatic (right hand)

A chromatic (left hand)

Eb chromatic (right hand)

Eb chromatic (left hand)


Group B: Arpeggios

Tempo: 69 bpm Time Signature: 3/4, 4/4 Rhythms: 3/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a dotted half note. 4/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a whole note.

A major arpeggio

Eb major arpeggio

F# minor arpeggio

C minor arpeggio

C major seventh arpeggio

C major ninth sharp eleven arpeggio (right hand)

C major ninth sharp eleven arpeggio (left hand)

C: Chord Voicings


C major 7

C dominant 9 sus 4





Sight Reading

Key: Eb major or A major Tempo: 60-95 bpm Time Signature: 4/4 Rhythms: Whole, dotted half, half, dotted quarter, quarter, eighth notes, eighth note ties, associated rests. The Sight Reading test is in the form of a 4-8 bar melody. Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning. The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately. Note: it is acceptable for candidates to also ask for additional playing(s) of the backing track to practise during the 90 seconds.



Key: Eb major or A major Tempo: 60-95 bpm Time Signature: 4/4 The Improvisation test is in the form of a 4-8 bar chord progression, with all chord symbols indicated. Candidates are required to improvise single note melodies with either left or right hand. It is permissible to play chord voicings, or use both hands, but marks will only be awarded for melodic content.



Ear Tests


Melodic Recall

Key: C major Tempo: 95bpm Time Signature: 4/4 Rhythms: Whole, half, quarter notes The examiner will play a 2 bar diatonic melody in the key of C major, with a range up to a fifth. There will be a C root note at the beginning of the test, then the melody will be played twice. After this, candidates need to play the melody back to a metronome click. Both playings of the melody and the metronome backing for the exam version will be preceded by a one bar count-in. The first note of the melody will be the root. It is acceptable for candidates to play over the track as the test is being played and there will be 10 seconds to practise after the second playing. The piano can be used to assist at any time prior to being counted in to perform the exam version. Note: the 10 seconds is pre-recorded on the audio track so the count-in for the exam version may begin while candidates are still practising.


Chord Recognition

Tempo: 95 bpm Rhythms: Whole notes The examiner will play a sequence of chords each with a C root note, then ask the candidate to state the chord quality of two of the chords from a choice of major, minor, diminished, augmented, dominant 7 and major 7th. The examiner will select which two chords. The test will be played twice, each time preceded by a one-bar count-in. Credit will be given for speed of response.


At debut candidates will be asked five questions, one from each of the following groups:






Chord degrees of the scale.

Group 2: Melody

Identification of pitches in the bass clef within the stave.

Group 3: Rhythm

Whole, half, quarter, eighth and associated dotted notes/rests, quarter/eighth note triplets and

associated rests within one crotchet length.

Group 4: Technical

Fingering used in a bar length phrase. (Both hands)

Group 5: Genre

Different artists and song titles from the same genre as the piece chosen.


The Grade 4 Piano exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for two to three years and who are ready for intermediate level playing. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 3 and since acquired greater use of technique, more complex rhythms, co-ordination and musical understanding. Candidates will be developing a sense of expression and continuing to broaden their stylistic awareness, and there is also the opportunity to improvise which will be growing in assurance and articulation. There are two types of exam available at Grade 4, either a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. (Refer to the Introduction for an explanation of the differences).

Grade Exam

Prepared work: candidates are required to play three Performance Pieces and Technical Exercises which cover scales, arpeggios and chord voicings. Unprepared work: candidates are required to play either a Sight Reading or Improvisation/Interpretation test and two Ear Tests, the first continuing to develop melodic recall and the second introducing harmonic recall. The final part of the exam comprises five questions which are designed to explore harmony, melody, rhythmic, technical and stylistic knowledge at Grade 4 level.

Exam Structure







Pieces

The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. At Grade 4 they are typically in the region of two to two and a half minutes in duration. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can acquire a solid understanding and execution of notation accuracy, values, evenness of sound, tone quality/consistency, technical control, articulation, expression, style awareness and sync at an early intermediate level.




Technical Work

At Grade 4 there are three groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios and Chord Voicings. All exercises need to be played ascending and descending, hands together (except for the extended arpeggio which needs to be played hands separately), in either straight or swung feel, as directed by the examiner. The examiner will ask for a selection from each group and Groups A and B need to be played to a compulsory metronome click. Group C does not require a metronome and can be played at a tempo of the candidate’s choice. In this grade, all Technical Exercises need to be played from memory. Candidates will be required to close their grade books or ensure the information on the KR player is out of view. Note: the use of any notes or any reading from the grade book during the technical exercises will

result in a deduction of overall marks for this section. (See Assessment Criteria).


Group A: Scales

Tempo: 104 bpm Range: Two octaves Rhythms: Eighth notes, finishing on a quarter note.

E major

E major (contrary motion)

Ab major

Ab major (contrary motion)

C# natural minor

F natural minor

C# harmonic minor

F harmonic minor

C phrygian

E chromatic

Ab chromatic

Group B: Arpeggios

Tempo: 76 bpm Time Signature: 3/4, 4/4 Rhythms: 3/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a dotted half note. 4/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a whole note.

E major arpeggio

Ab major arpeggio

C# minor arpeggio

F minor arpeggio

C minor seventh arpeggio

C minor eleventh arpeggio (right hand)

C minor eleventh arpeggio (left hand


C: Chord Voicing

Candidates will be asked to play two voicings of both the following chords (4 total):

C dominant 9

C minor 7

Candidates need to choose and perform the two voicings for each chord, from memory, from three options given for each chord in the grade book. The three options comprise right hand, left hand and both hands. In the exam, there will be no need to state which ones beforehand.

There will be no requirement to present the chosen voicings to a particular tempo or a backing / metronome click but the examiner will be looking for speed of response.



Sight Reading

Key: Ab major or E major Tempo: 60-130 bpm Time Signature: 3/4, 4/4 Rhythms: Whole, dotted half, half, dotted quarter, quarter, eighth notes, associated rests. Eighth/quarter note ties. The Sight Reading test is in the form of a 8-16 bar melody, with possible geographical instruction. At Grade 4, there is an element of improvisation within the sight reading test. Candidates are required to play all notation and create appropriate parts to chord symbols. This is a graduation towards the Quick Study pieces at Grades 6-8 which combine sight reading and improvisation as a compulsory test. Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning. The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately. Note: it is acceptable for candidates to also ask for additional playing(s) of the backing track to practise during the 90 seconds.


Key: Ab major or E major Tempo: 60-130 bpm Time Signature: 3/4, 4/4 The Improvisation test is in the form of a 8-16 bar chord progression with all chord symbols indicated. Candidates are required to improvise diatonic single note melodies with right hand and chords in left hand.




Ear Tests

At Grade 4 there are two ear tests: Melodic Recall and Harmonic Recall. Both are previously unseen and an example of each is shown in the grade book.

Melodic Recall

Key: C major Tempo: 95bpm Time Signature: 4/4 Rhythms: Half, quarter, eighth notes The examiner will play a 2 bar diatonic melody in the key of C major, with a range up to a sixth. There will be a C root note at the beginning of the test, then the melody will be played twice. After this, candidates need to play the melody back to a metronome click. Both playings of the melody and the metronome backing for the exam version will be preceded by a one bar count-in. The first note of the melody will be the root. It is acceptable for candidates to play over the track as the test is being played and there will be 10 seconds to practise after the second playing. The piano can be used to assist at any time prior to being counted in to perform the exam version. Note: the 10 seconds is pre-recorded on the audio track so the count-in for the exam version may begin while candidates are still practising.

Harmonic Recall

Key: C major Tempo: 95bpm Time Signature: 4/4 Rhythms: Whole notes The examiner will play a chord progression containing chords I, IV, V in any order or combination in the key of C major. Candidates will hear the test twice, then play the chords back to a metronome click. Both playings of the initial test and the metronome backing for the exam version will be preceded by a one bar count-in. Note: there is no requirement for the chords to be voicing specific but the diatonic progression needs to

be correct.


It is acceptable for candidates to play over the track as the test is being played and there will be 10 seconds to practise after the second playing. The piano can be used to assist at any time prior to being counted in to perform the exam version. Note: the 10 seconds is pre-recorded on the audio track so the count-in for the exam version may begin while candidates are still practising.








Identification of note intervals relative to a chord symbol. (Root/3rd/5th/7th).

Group 2: Melody

Identification of pitches within the stave. (Treble or bass clef)

Group 3: Rhythm

Whole, half, quarter, eighth, sixteenth and associated dotted notes/rests and quarter/eighth note

triplets and associated rests, up to one crotchet length.

Group 4: Technical

Fingering used to play the 3rd//5th/7th note of a chord.

Group 5: Genre

Melodic / harmonic / rhythmic devices indicative of the genre chosen.


The Grade 5 Piano exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for three years or more and who have fully consolidated their intermediate level playing. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 4 and since acquired a greater use of appropriate technique, more complex rhythms, co-ordination and musical understanding. Candidates will have developed a good sense of expression, have a strong grasp of stylistic awareness, and there is also the opportunity to improvise which is now individual, assured, accurate and expressive. There are two types of exam available at Grade 4, either a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. (Refer to the Introduction for an explanation of the differences).

Grade Exam

Prepared work: candidates are required to play three Performance Pieces and Technical Exercises which cover scales, arpeggios and chord voicings. Unprepared work: candidates are required to play either a Sight Reading or Improvisation/Interpretation test and there are also two Ear Tests which continue to develop melodic and harmonic recall. The final part of the exam comprises five questions which are designed to explore harmony, melody, rhythmic, technical and stylistic knowledge at Grade 5 level.

Exam Structure







Pieces

The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. At Grade 5 they remain typically in the region of two to two and a half minutes in duration. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can acquire a growing security and execution of notation accuracy, values, evenness of sound, tone quality/consistency, technical control, articulation, expression, style awareness and sync at intermediate level.




Technical Work

At Grade 5 there are three groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios and Chord Voicings. All exercises need to be played ascending and descending, hands together, in either straight or swung feel, as directed by the examiner. The examiner will ask for a selection from each group and Groups A and B need to be played to a compulsory metronome click. Group C does not require a metronome and can be played at a tempo of the candidate’s choice. In this grade, all Technical Exercises need to be played from memory. Candidates will be required to close their grade books or ensure the information on the KR player is out of view. Note: the use of any notes or any reading from the grade book during the technical exercises will



Group A: Scales

Tempo: 126 bpm Octave range: 3 octaves (except contrary motion scales - 2 octaves) Rhythms: Eighth notes, finishing on a quarter note

B major

B major (contrary motion) (2 octaves)

Db major

Db major (contrary motion) (2 octaves)

G# natural minor

Bb natural minor

G# harmonic minor

Bb harmonic minor

C locrian

B chromatic

Db chromatic

Group B: Arpeggios

Tempo: 88 bpm Time Signature: 3/4, 4/4 Octave range: 3 octaves Rhythms: 3/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a dotted half note. 4/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a whole note.

B major arpeggio

Db major arpeggio

G# minor arpeggio

Bb minor arpeggio

C minor seventh flat five (or C half diminished) arpeggio

C diminished seventh arpeggio


C: Chord Voicings

Candidates will be asked to play two voicings of both the following chords (4 total):

C diminished 7

C minor 7b5

Candidates need to choose and perform the two voicings for each chord, from memory, from three options given for each chord in the grade book. The three options comprise right hand, left hand and both hands. In the exam, there will be no need to state which ones beforehand.

There will be no requirement to present the chosen voicings to a particular tempo or a backing / metronome click but the examiner will be looking for speed of response.



Sight Reading

Key: Db major or B major Tempo: 60-130 bpm Time Signature: 3/4, 4/4 Rhythms: Whole, dotted half, half, dotted quarter, quarter, eighth, sixteenth notes, associated rests. Eighth, quarter, sixteenth note ties. Dynamic Markings: p-f The Sight Reading test is in the form of a 8-16 bar melody, with possible geographical instruction. At Grade 5, there is an element of improvisation within the sight reading test. Candidates are required to play all notation and create appropriate parts to chord symbols. This is a graduation towards the Quick Study pieces at Grades 6-8, which combine sight reading and improvisation as a compulsory test. Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning. The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately. Note: it is acceptable for candidates to also ask for additional playing(s) of the backing track to practise during the 90 seconds.


Key: Db major or B major Tempo: 60-130 bpm Time Signature: 3/4, 4/4 The Improvisation test is in the form of a 8-16 bar chord progression with all chord symbols indicated.


Candidates are required to improvise diatonic single note melodies with right hand and chords in left hand.



Ear Tests


Melodic Recall

Key: C major Tempo: 95bpm Time Signature: 4/4 Rhythms: Half, quarter, eighth notes. (Notes may be tied) The examiner will play a 2 bar diatonic melody in the key of C major, with a range up to an octave. There will be a C root note at the beginning of the test, then the melody will be played twice. After this, candidates need to play the melody back to a metronome click. Both playings of the melody and the metronome backing for the exam version will be preceded by a one bar count-in. The first note of the melody will be either the root or fifth. It is acceptable for candidates to play over the track as the test is being played and there will be 10 seconds to practise after the second playing. The piano can be used to assist at any time prior to being counted in to perform the exam version. Note: the 10 seconds is pre-recorded on the audio track so the count-in for the exam version may begin while candidates are still practising.

Harmonic Recall

Key: C major Tempo: 95bpm Time Signature: 4/4 Rhythms: Half notes. The examiner will play a chord progression containing chords I, II, IV, V, VI in any order or combination in the key of C major. At this grade, seventh chords are introduced. Candidates will hear the test twice, then play the chords back to a metronome click. Both playings of the initial test and the metronome backing for

the exam version will be preceded by a one bar count-in.


Note: there is no requirement for the chords to be voicing specific but the diatonic progression needs to be correct. It is acceptable for candidates to play over the track as the test is being played and there will be 10 seconds to practise after the second playing. The piano can be used to assist at any time prior to being counted in to perform the exam version. Note: the 10 seconds is pre-recorded on the audio track so the count-in for the exam version may begin while candidates are still practising.








Identification of intervals relative to a chord symbol. (Root/3rd/5th/7th/9th/11th/13th).

Group 2: Melody

Identification of pitches in the within the stave. (Treble or bass clef)

Group 3: Rhythm

Whole, half, quarter, eighth, sixteenth and associated dotted notes/rests and quarter, eighth and

sixteenth note triplets and associated rests up to one crotchet length.

.Group 4: Technical

Fingering used to play the 3rd//5th/7th/9th note of a chord.

Group 5: Genre



The Grade 6 Piano exam is for candidates who have been typically learning in the region of four or more years and who have reached the first stage of advanced level playing. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 5 and have since developed appropriate technique, expressive devices, rhythmic complexity, co-ordination and musical understanding. Candidates will have an increased extent of individuality, enhanced stylistic awareness and will be able to improvise with convincing shape and articulation. There will be good understanding of form and structure with clear musical communication. There are two types of exam available at Grade 6, either a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. (Refer to the Introduction for an explanation of the differences).

Grade Exam

Prepared work: candidates are required to play three Performance Pieces and Technical Exercises which cover scales, arpeggios, chord voicings and stylistic studies. Unprepared work: candidates are required to prepare and perform a Quick Study Piece which incorporates both sight reading and improvisation, and there are also two Ear Tests which continue to develop melodic and harmonic recall. The final part of the exam comprises five questions which are designed to explore harmony, melody, rhythmic, technical and stylistic knowledge at Grade 6 level.

Exam Structure




3rd item - Quick Study Piece: Candidates are given an unseen test to prepare and perform.



Pieces

The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. At Grade 6 they are longer, typically in the region of two and a half to three minutes in duration. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can confidently understand and execute notation accuracy, values, evenness of sound, tone quality/consistency, technical control, articulation, style awareness and sync at an early advanced level. There will be assured presentation of musical structure with clear, convincing expressive communication.




Technical Work

At Grade 6 there are four groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios, Chord Voicings, Stylistic Studies. All exercises need to be played ascending and descending, hands together, in either straight or swung feel as directed by the examiner and with either normal or legato articulation as directed by the examiner. The examiner will ask for a selection from each group and Groups A and B need to be played to a compulsory metronome click. Group C does not require a metronome and can be played at a tempo of the candidate’s choice. Group D is played to the backing track. In this grade, all Technical Exercises (including the stylistic study) need to be played from memory. Candidates will be required to close their grade books or ensure the KR player is out of view. Note: the use of any notes or any reading from the grade book during the technical exercises will



Group A: Scales

Tempo: 152 bpm Octave range: 4 octaves (except contrary motion scales - 2 octaves) Rhythms: Eighth notes, finishing on a quarter note.

F# major

F# major (contrary motion) (2 octaves)

Gb major

Gb major (contrary motion) (2 octaves)

D# natural minor

Eb natural minor

D# harmonic minor

Eb harmonic minor

C lydian dominant

C altered scale

F# chromatic

Group B: Arpeggios

Tempo: 100 bpm Time Signature: 3/4, 4/4 Octave range: 4 octaves (except extended arpeggios - 2 octaves). Rhythms: 3/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a dotted half. 4/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a half note.

F# major arpeggio

Gb major arpeggio

D# minor arpeggio

Eb minor arpeggio

C 13#11 arpeggio (2 octaves)

C 7#5#9 arpeggio (2 octaves)


C: Chord Voicings

Candidates will be asked to play three voicings of both the following chords (6 total):

C dominant7#11

C altered

The three voicings required for each chord are shown in in the grade book and comprise right hand, left hand and both hands.

In the exam, there is no requirement to present the voicings to a particular tempo or a backing / metronome click, but the test is played from memory and the examiner will be looking for speed of response.

D: Stylistic Studies

Tempo: 65-240 bpm Time Signature: 4/4, 12/8, 7/8 Candidates will need to choose and prepare one of the stylistic studies given in the grade book, from the

list of styles below. The stylistic study will be played back in full to the backing track.

Pop and Rock

Jazz, Blues and Soul

Film and Musical Theatre

Quick Study Piece

Key: Gb major, F# major, Eb minor, D# minor Time Signature: Simple or compound At Grade 6 candidates will need to prepare and perform a short Quick Study Piece (QSP) to a backing track. The QSP is in the form of a lead sheet and includes both sight-reading and the creation of improvised parts where directed.

The piece will be between 16-24 bars in length and rhythms and chords will be indicated, with written

notation, articulation, expressive/dynamic markings and musical directions. At Grade 6, note lengths

and rhythm values will typically be Grade 4 standard.

Candidates will need to choose the style grouping from the list below. It is acceptable if candidates wish to choose the same group as the stylistic study.

Pop and Rock


Film and Musical Theatre First, the examiner will give the lead sheet to the candidate. Then the candidate will hear a full mix version of the piece, including both the notated parts and an example version of the improvised parts. After the full mix, candidates will have three minutes to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice, with the piano parts now absent. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in.


During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning. The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately. Note: it is acceptable for candidates to also ask for additional playing(s) of the backing track (without piano parts) to practise during the 90 seconds.

Ear Tests


Melodic Recall

Key: C major Tempo: 95bpm Time Signature: 4/4 Rhythms: Half, quarter, eighth notes. The examiner will play a 2 bar diatonic melody in the key of C major, with a range up to an octave. There will be a C root note at the beginning of the test, then the melody will be played twice. After this, candidates need to play the melody back to a metronome click. Both playings of the melody and the metronome backing for the exam version will be preceded by a one bar count-in. The first note of the melody will be either the root or fifth. It is acceptable for candidates to play over the track as the test is being played and there will be 10 seconds to practise after the second playing. The piano can be used to assist at any time prior to being counted in to perform the exam version. Note: the 10 seconds is pre-recorded on the audio track so the count-in for the exam version may begin while candidates are still practising.

Harmonic Recall

Key: C major Tempo: 95bpm Time Signature: 4/4 Rhythms: Whole, half notes The examiner will play a chord progression containing chords I, II, III, IV, V, VI in any order or combination in the key of C major, including seventh chords. Candidates will hear the test twice, then play the chords back to a metronome click. Both playings of the initial test and the metronome backing for the exam version will be preceded by a one bar count-in. Note: there is no requirement for the chords to be voicing specific but the diatonic progression needs to be correct.


It is acceptable for candidates to play over the track as the test is being played and there will be 10 seconds to practise after the second playing. The piano can be used to assist at any time prior to being counted in to perform the exam version. Note: the 10 seconds is pre-recorded on the audio track so the count-in for the exam version may begin while candidates are still practising.








Appropriate modes which can be played over maj7 / min7 / dom7 / sus4 / 9sus4 / maj9 # chords.

Group 2: Melody

Interval of any note relative to the chord symbol.

Group 3: Rhythm

Whole, half, quarter, eighth, sixteenth, thirty-second notes, any dotted notes, triplets, any associated

rests up to one crotchet length.

Group 4: Technical

Fingering used to play the 3rd//5th/7th/9th/11th note of a chord.

Group 5: Genre





The Grade 7 Piano exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for four to five years and have extended their advanced level playing. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 6 and developed notable security of appropriate technique, use of expressive devices, rhythmic complexity, fluency and musical understanding. Candidates will be able to improvise with conviction and personality plus demonstrate strong musical form and structure. There will be mature and authentic stylistic awareness, with developing individuality and communication. There are two types of exam available at Grade 7, either a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. (Refer to the Introduction for an explanation of the differences).

Grade Exam


Exam Structure







Pieces

The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. At Grade 7 they are longer, typically up to three minutes in duration. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can convincingly understand and execute notation accuracy, values, evenness of sound, tone quality/consistency, technical control, articulation, style awareness and sync at an advanced level. There will be highly assured presentation of musical structure with fluent, individually shaped and highly expressive communication.




Technical Work

At Grade 7 there are four groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios, Chord Voicings, Stylistic Studies. All exercises need to be played ascending and descending, hands together, in either straight or swung feel as directed by the examiner and with either staccato or legato articulation as directed by the examiner. The examiner will ask for a selection from each group and Groups A and B need to be played to a compulsory metronome click. Group C does not require a metronome and can be played at a tempo of the candidate’s choice. Group D is played to the backing track. In this grade, all Technical Exercises (including the stylistic study) need to be played from memory. Candidates will be required to close their grade books or ensure the KR player is out of view. Note: the use of any notes or any reading from the grade book during the technical exercises will



Group A: Scales

Tempo: 160 bpm Octave range: 4 octaves (except contrary motion scales - 2 octaves) Rhythms: Eighth notes, finishing on a quarter/dotted half note.

C# major

C# major (contrary motion) (2 octaves)

Cb major

Cb major (contrary motion) (2 octaves)

A# natural minor

Ab natural minor

A# harmonic minor

Ab harmonic minor

C wholetone


Group B: Arpeggios

Tempo: 112 bpm Time Signature: 3/4, 4/4 Octave range: 4 octaves (except extended arpeggio - 1 octave). Rhythms: 3/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a dotted half note. 4/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a whole/half note.

C# major arpeggio

Cb major arpeggio

A# minor arpeggio

Ab minor arpeggio

D Dim7 arpeggio

Bb Dim7 arpeggio

G7 arpeggio

F7 arpeggio

D7 arpeggio

Bb7 arpeggio

C9#5 arpeggio (1 octave)

C: Chord Voicings

Candidates will be asked to play three voicings of two of the following three chords (6 total). The examiner will select which two:

C dominant 7b9

C dominant 7#5

C dominant 9#5

The three voicings required for each chord are shown in the grade book, comprising right hand, left hand and both hands. In the exam, there is no requirement to present the voicings to a particular tempo or a backing / metronome click, but the test is played from memory and the examiner will be looking for speed of response.


Tempo: 90-140 bpm Time Signature: 4/4, 12/8 Candidates will need to choose and prepare one of the stylistic studies given in the grade book, from the


Pop and Rock




Quick Study Piece

Key: Any key Time Signature: Simple or compound At Grade 7 candidates will need to prepare and perform a short Quick Study Piece (QSP) to a backing track. The QSP is in the form of a lead sheet and includes both sight-reading and the creation of improvised parts where directed.





Pop and Rock


Film and Musical Theatre First, the examiner will give the lead sheet to the candidate. Then the candidate will hear a full mix version of the piece, including both the notated parts and an example version of the improvised parts. After the full mix, candidates will have three minutes to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice, with the piano parts now absent. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning. The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately. Note: it is acceptable for candidates to also ask for additional playing(s) of the backing track (without piano parts) to practise during the 90 seconds.

Ear Tests


Melodic Recall

Key: C major or C minor Tempo: 95bpm Time Signature: 4/4 Rhythms: Half, quarter, eighth notes. The examiner will play a 2 bar diatonic melody in the key of either C major or C minor, with a range up to an octave.


There will be a C root note at the beginning of the test, then the melody will be played twice. After this, candidates need to play the melody back to a metronome click. Both playings of the melody and the metronome backing for the exam version will be preceded by a one bar count-in. The first note of the melody will be either the root or fifth. It is acceptable for candidates to play over the track as the test is being played and there will be 10 seconds to practise after the second playing. The piano can be used to assist at any time prior to being counted in to perform the exam version. Note: the 10 seconds is pre-recorded on the audio track so the count-in for the exam version may begin while candidates are still practising.

Harmonic Recall

Key: C major Tempo: 95bpm Time Signature: 4/4 Rhythms: Whole, half notes The examiner will play a chord progression containing any combination of chords from the C major scale, including seventh chords. Candidates will hear the test twice, then play the chords back to a metronome click. Both playings of the initial test and the metronome backing for the exam version will be preceded by a one bar count-in. Note: there is no requirement for the chords to be voicing specific but the diatonic progression needs to be correct. It is acceptable for candidates to play over the track as the test is being played and there will be 10 seconds to practise after the second playing. The piano can be used to assist at any time prior to being counted in to perform the exam version. Note: the 10 seconds is pre-recorded on the audio track so the count-in for the exam version may begin while candidates are still practising.







One question relating to genre. Candidates can choose the piece on which basis the questions will be asked. It must be one of the pieces performed in the exam. The exact bars or phrases will be chosen by the examiner.


The questions will cover the following topics: Group 1: Harmony

Scales / modes which are being played.

Group 2: Melody

Intervallic construction of melodic phrases within the piece up to crotchet length.

Group 3: Rhythm

Whole, half, quarter, eighth, sixteenth, thirty-second notes, any dotted notes, triplets or any associated

rests up to one minim length.

Group 4: Technical

Fingering used to play the 3rd//5th/7th/9th/11th/13th note of a chord.

Group 5: Genre



The candidate plays five pieces in their preferred chosen order. The exam will last 25 minutes.

At the beginning of the exam, the examiner will conduct a sound check by asking the candidate to play the first few bars of the first chosen piece. This will set the levels for the exam and will take place along to the backing track. Once the level has been established, the examiner will then commence with the first piece in full. Note: the sound check is undertaken for the first piece only.


The Grade 8 Piano exam is for candidates who have been typically learning for five years or more and have now consolidated their playing to a high level. They have mastered the key skills up to Grade 7 and developed heightened technique, use of expressive devices, rhythmic complexity, fluency, co-ordination and musical understanding. Candidates will be able to improvise to an advanced level with effortless assurance and personality plus demonstrate seamless musical form and structure. There will be an innate stylistic conviction and distinctive musicality with strong individuality. Communication will be commanding. There are two types of exam available at Grade 8, either a Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. (Refer to the Introduction for an explanation of the differences).

Grade Exam


Exam Structure







Pieces

The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. At Grade 8 they are longer, typically in the region of three to three and a half minutes in duration. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can demonstrate complete ownership of notation accuracy, values, evenness of sound, tone quality/consistency, technical control, articulation, style awareness and sync at an advanced level. There will be instinctive presentation of musical structure with effortlessly fluent, maturely expressive communication.




Technical Work

At Grade 8 there are four groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios, Chord Voicings, Stylistic Studies. All exercises need to be played ascending and descending, hands together, in either straight or swung feel as directed by the examiner and with either staccato or legato articulation as directed by the examiner. The examiner will ask for a selection from each group and Groups A and B need to be played to a compulsory metronome click. Group C does not require a metronome and can be played at a tempo of the candidate’s choice. Group D is played to the backing track. In this grade, all Technical Exercises (including the stylistic study) need to be played from memory. Candidates will be required to close their grade books or ensure the KR player is out of view. Note: the use of any notes or any reading from the grade book during the technical exercises will



Group A: Scales

Tempo: 176 bpm Octave range: 4 octaves Rhythms: Eighth notes, finishing on a whole note.

C half-whole diminished

C whole-half diminished

Group B: Arpeggios

Tempo: 132 bpm Time Signature: 3/4, 4/4 Octave range: 4 octaves (except extended arpeggio shown below, 1 octave) Rhythms: 3/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a dotted half note. 4/4: Eighth notes, finishing on a whole note.

A7 arpeggio

Eb7 arpeggio

E7 arpeggio

Ab7 arpeggio

B7 arpeggio

Db7 arpeggio

F#7 arpeggio

Gb7 arpeggio

C13b9#11 arpeggio (1 octave)

Additional Scale

Candidates will be asked to perform one additional scale from any of the Group A exercises in any of the previous grades, selected by the examiner. The scale will need to be played ascending and descending, in eighth notes and hands together. The examiner will confirm the scale, number of octaves, whether straight or swung, tempo and time signature.


Additional Arpeggio

Candidates will be asked to perform one additional arpeggio from any of the Group B exercises in any of the previous grades, selected by the examiner. The scale will need to be played ascending and descending, in eighth notes and hands together. The examiner will confirm the scale, number of octaves, whether straight or swung, tempo and time signature.

C: Chord Voicings

Candidates will be asked to play three voicings of both the following chords (6 total):

C dominant 13b9

C diminished major 7

The three voicings required for each chord are shown in in the grade book and comprise right hand, left hand and both hands.

In the exam, there is no requirement to present the voicings to a particular tempo or a backing / metronome click, but the test is played from memory and the examiner will be looking for speed of response.


Tempo: 75-170 bpm Time Signature: 4/4 Candidates will need to choose and prepare one of the stylistic studies given in the grade book, from the


Pop and Rock



Quick Study Piece

Key: Any key Time Signature: Simple or compound

At Grade 8 candidates will need to prepare and perform a short Quick Study Piece (QSP) to a backing track. The QSP is in the form of a lead sheet and includes both sight-reading and the creation of improvised parts where directed.






Pop and Rock


Film and Musical Theatre First, the examiner will give the lead sheet to the candidate. Then the candidate will hear a full mix version of the piece, including both the notated parts and an example version of the improvised parts. After the full mix, candidates will have three minutes to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice, with the piano parts now absent. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. For each playthrough, the backing track will begin with a one bar count-in. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning. The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately. Note: it is acceptable for candidates to also ask for additional playing(s) of the backing track (without piano parts) to practise during the 90 seconds.

Ear Tests


Melodic Recall

Key: C major, C natural minor or C harmonic minor Tempo: 95bpm Time Signature: 4/4 Rhythms: Half, quarter, eighth notes. The examiner will play a 2 bar diatonic melody in the key of either C major, C natural minor or C harmonic minor, with a range up to an octave. There will be a C root note at the beginning of the test, then the melody will be played twice. After this, candidates need to play the melody back to a metronome click. Both playings of the melody and the metronome backing for the exam version will be preceded by a one bar count-in. The first note of the melody will be either the root, third or fifth. It is acceptable for candidates to play over the track as the test is being played and there will be 10 seconds to practise after the second playing. The piano can be used to assist at any time prior to being counted in to perform the exam version. Note: the 10 seconds is pre-recorded on the audio track so the count-in for the exam version may begin while candidates are still practising.


Harmonic Recall

Key: C major or C minor Tempo: 95bpm Time Signature: 4/4 Rhythms: Whole, half notes The examiner will play a chord progression containing any combination of chords from either the C major or C minor scale, including seventh chords. Candidates will hear the test twice, then play the chords back to a metronome click. Both playings of the initial test and the metronome backing for the exam version will be preceded by a one bar count-in. Note: there is no requirement for the chords to be voicing specific but the diatonic progression needs to be correct. It is acceptable for candidates to play over the track as the test is being played and there will be 10 seconds to practise after the second playing. The piano can be used to assist at any time prior to being counted in to perform the exam version. Note: the 10 seconds is pre-recorded on the audio track so the count-in for the exam version may begin while candidates are still practising.








Scales / modes which are being played.

Group 2: Melody

Intervallic construction of melodic phrases within the piece up to crotchet length.

Group 3: Rhythm

Whole, half, quarter, eighth, sixteenth, thirty-second notes, any dotted notes, triplets or any associated

rests up to one bar length.


Group 4: Technical

Fingering required to execute voice leading between two consecutive chord voicings.

Group 5: Genre





Performance Pieces

The following Performance Piece criteria applies to both Full Grade and Performance Certificate exams.

Distinction

18-20

Very secure basic techniques

Strong timing / pulse

Strong use of rhythm / duration

and phrasing

Strong sync / continuity

Secure notation accuracy.

Good use of articulation,

expression and dynamics

Confident presentation

Fluent techniques

Exact timing / pulse

Musical use of rhythm / duration

and phrasing

Very good sync/continuity

Notation accuracy detailed

throughout

Very good use of articulation,


Highly confident

High degree of stylistic

awareness

Effortless techniques

Distinctively musical timing /

pulse, use of rhythm / duration

and phrasing

Seamless sync / continuity

Notation accuracy consistently

detailed throughout

Musical articulation, expression,

use of dynamics throughout

Highly assured presentation

Innate level of style awareness

Comprehensive understanding of

complete musical structure

Convincing communication

Merit

15-17

Secure basic techniques

Almost always secure timing /

pulse

Almost always secure use of

rhythm / duration and phrasing

Secure sync / continuity,

occasional slip

Mostly consistent notation

accuracy observed

Fair use of articulation,


Largely confident presentation

Secure techniques

Secure timing / pulse

Secure use of rhythm / duration

and phrasing

Accurate sync / continuity

Notation accuracy almost

always very detailed. Small slips




Fair degree of stylistic

awareness

Highly secure techniques

Consistently secure timing / pulse

Consistently secure use of rhythm

/ duration and phrasing

Strong sync / continuity

Strong notation accuracy



Assured presentation

Secure level of style awareness

Mostly fluent understanding of

complete musical structure

Largely convincing communication

Pass

12-14

Generally secure basic

techniques

Mainly consistent, secure timing

/ pulse, with slips

Generally secure use of rhythm

/ duration and phrasing

Mainly secure sync / continuity,

with slips requiring re-alignment

Notation slips / some small

deviations / occasional

simplification

Evidence of articulation,


Mainly confident presentation

with slips.

Generally secure techniques

Generally consistent, secure

timing / pulse, with some slips

Largely secure use of rhythm /

duration and phrasing

Generally secure sync /

continuity, with some slips

requiring re-alignment

Notation slips / some small

deviations

Some use of articulation,


Generally confident

presentation with minor slips.

Evidence of stylistic

awareness

Secure techniques for the most

part

Largely consistent, secure timing /

pulse, with minor slips

Secure use of rhythm / duration

and phrasing for the most part

Mostly secure sync / continuity,

with occasional slips requiring re-

alignment

Notation almost always accurately

observed

Clear use of articulation,


Generally assured with minor

slips

Some style awareness

Clear understanding of complete

musical structure

Secure communication


Below

Pass 1

6-11

Insecure basic techniques

Inconsistent timing / pulse

Insecurity of rhythmic control

Insecure sync / continuity

Insecure notation accuracy

No evidence of articulation,

expression or dynamics

Largely hesitant presentation

Insecure techniques

Numerous timing / pulse errors

Unsatisfactory rhythmic control

Sync / continuity deviations.

A number of notation accuracy

deviations / simplifications

Limited / no evidence of

articulation, expression or

dynamics

Generally hesitant presentation

Limited / no stylistic

awareness

Insecure techniques

Timing / pulse errors

Errors / insecure rhythmic control

Some sync/continuity deviation

Accumulated notation accuracy

deviations / simplifications

Limited evidence of articulation

expression or dynamics

Hesitant, tentative presentation

Limited style awareness

Limited / insecure understanding

of complete musical structure

Insecure / unconvincing

communication

Below

Pass 2

0-5

Wholly insecure

Incomplete

Wholly insecure

Incomplete

Wholly insecure

Incomplete

Technical Exercises

Distinction

13-15

Mark Weighting Guidance

Grade Debut–5

Scales: c.6 marks

Arpeggios: c.6 marks

Chord Voicings: c.3 marks

Grade 6-8

Scales: c.2 marks

Arpeggios: c.2 marks

Chord Voicings: c.2 marks

Stylistic Study: c.9 marks

Memory Note

If a candidate uses any notes or reads

from the grade book during the

technical exercise, this will result in the

following deductions from the overall

technical exercises mark:

Debut-Grade 3: Deduct 2 marks.

Grade 4-8: Deduct up to 5 marks,

according to extent.

Credit will be given for the level of

musicality shown when presenting all

technical responses.

Fluent, musical level of technical

/ notation accuracy

Exact sense of pulse

Always prompt responses

Excellent memory recall

Merit

11-12

Almost always technically

accurate

Strong sense of pulse

Generally prompt responses

Strong memory recall

Pass

9-10

Generally technically accurate

Largely consistent tempo

Some prompt responses

Reliable memory recall, minor

slips promptly recovered.

Below

Pass 1

6-8

Technical errors

Inconsistent / incorrect tempo

Hesitant responses

Memory lapses evident

Not all tests attempted.

Below

Pass 2

0-5

Wholly insecure

Not all tests attempted.


Sight Reading / Improvisation and Interpretation / Quick Study Pieces

Distinction

9-10 Fluent, musical level of

technical / notation accuracy

Exact pulse / sync

Clear use of articulation,


Highly confident presentation

Strong use of appropriate

melody / harmony / rhythmic

shaping in improvisation

(Grades 4-5)

Assured melodic and harmonic

accuracy.

Strong use of rhythms and

phrasing

Exact pulse / sync



Highly confident presentation

Fluent, musical level of technical

/ notation accuracy

Very strong sense of accurate



Strong sense of style

awareness

Exact pulse / sync



Highly assured presentation

Merit

7-8 Secure technical / notation

accuracy

Secure timing / pulse for the

very most part

Some use of articulation,



Secure use of appropriate



(Grades 4-5)

Secure harmonic / melodic

accuracy

Secure use of rhythms and

phrasing

Secure pulse / sync for the very

most part

Some good use of articulation,



Secure technical / notation

accuracy

Secure use of appropriate



Clear style awareness

Accurate pulse / sync



Mostly assured presentation

Pass

6 Generally secure technical /

notation accuracy, with slips

Generally accurate pulse /

sync, with slips




with slips.

Some use of appropriate



(Grades 4-5)

General harmonic / melodic

accuracy

Generally secure use of rhythms

and phrasing

Generally accurate pulse / sync,

with slips




with slips.

Generally secure technical /

notation accuracy, with slips

Mostly secure use of

appropriate melody / harmony /

rhythmic shaping in

improvisation

Satisfactory style awareness

Largely accurate pulse / sync,

with slips

Some good use of articulation,


Generally assured with slips

Below

Pass 1

3-5

Technical / notation insecurity

Inconsistent pulse / sync.


expression or use of dynamics

Hesitant presentation

Limited / no use of

appropriate melody, harmony,

rhythmic shaping in improv.

(Grades 4-5)

Limited / no harmonic, melodic

accuracy

Inconsistent / insecure use of

rhythms and phrasing



expression or use of dynamics

Hesitant presentation

Technical / notation errors

Limited use of appropriate

melody, harmony, rhythmic

shaping in improv.

Limited / no style awareness


Limited / no evidence of

effective articulation, expression

or use of dynamics

Hesitant, tentative presentation

Below

Pass 2

0-2

Wholly insecure

Incomplete.

Wholly insecure

Incomplete.

Wholly insecure

Incomplete.


Ear Tests

Distinction

9-10

Melodic recall

(5 marks)

Correct

Immediate recall

Chord Recognition

(5 marks)

Correct

Immediate recall

Melodic recall

(5 marks)

Correct

Immediate recall

Chord Recognition

(5 marks)

Correct

Immediate recall

Melodic recall

(5 marks)

Correct

Strong sync

Chord Recognition

(5 marks)

Correct

Immediate recall

Melodic recall

(5 marks)

Correct

Strong sync

Chord Recognition

(5 marks)

Correct

Immediate recall

Melodic recall:

(5 marks)

Correct

Strong sync

Harmony recall

(5 marks)

Correct

Strong sync

Merit

7-8

Melodic recall

(4 marks)

Correct

Near immediate

Chord Recognition

(4 marks)

Correct

Prompt recall

Melodic recall

(4 marks)

Correct

Near immediate

Chord Recognition

(4 marks)

Correct

Prompt recall

Melodic recall

(4 marks)

1 error

Close sync

Chord Recognition

(4 marks)

1 error

Prompt recall

Melodic recall

(4 marks)

1-2 errors

Close sync

Chord Recognition

(4 marks)

Correct

Prompt recall

Melodic recall

(4 marks)

1-2 errors

Close sync

Harmony recall

(4 marks)

1 error

Close sync

Pass

6

Melodic recall

(3 marks)

Correct

Generally prompt

Chord Recognition

(3 marks)

Correct

Generally prompt

Melodic recall

(3 marks)

Correct

Generally prompt

Chord Recognition

(3 marks)

Correct

Generally prompt

Melodic recall

(3 marks)

2 errors

Generally sync’d

Chord Recognition

(3 marks)

2 errors

Generally prompt

Melodic recall

(3 marks)

3 errors

Generally sync’d

Chord Recognition

(3 marks)

Correct

Generally prompt

Melodic recall

(3 marks)

3 errors

Generally sync’d

Harmony recall

(3 marks)

2 errors

Generally sync’d

Below

Pass 1

3-5

Melodic recall

(0 marks)

Incorrect

Chord Recognition

(0 marks)

Both incorrect

Melodic recall

(2 marks)

1 correct

Chord Recognition

(2 marks)

1 correct

Melodic recall

(1-2 marks)

3+ errors

Insecure sync

Chord Recognition

(1-2 marks)

3+ errors

Melodic recall

(1-2 marks)

4+ errors

Insecure sync

Chord Recognition

(2 marks)

1 correct

Melodic recall

(1-2 marks)

3+ errors

Insecure sync

Harmony recall

(1-2 marks)

3+ errors

Insecure sync

Below

Pass 2

0-2

Melodic recall

(0 marks)

No response

Chord Recognition

(0 marks)

No response

Melodic recall

(0 marks)

No response

Both incorrect

Chord Recognition

(0 marks)

No response

Both incorrect

Melodic recall

(0 marks)

No response

Chord Recognition

(0 marks)

No response

Melodic recall

(0 marks)

No response

Chord Recognition

(0 marks)

No response

Both incorrect

Melodic recall

(0 marks)

No response

Harmony recall

(0 marks)

No response

Rockschool - Guitar Syllabus Guide, 2012-2018...Performance Certificates: Debut – Grade 8...

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Transcript of Rockschool - Guitar Syllabus Guide, 2012-2018...Performance Certificates: Debut – Grade 8...